Cat Exotic or Exotic breed of cats

The Persian cat’s distinctive features are combined with a shorter coat to create the Exotic Shorthair, sometimes just called the Exotic cat. Compared to their relatives with long hair, they appear softer and more cuddly as a result, making them easier to maintain. Exotic cats still have the same cute, round face and endearing expression that people adore about Persians, even though their fur is different.

These kitties are renowned for being peaceful and loving. They enjoy playing and spending quality time in silence with their owners, making them excellent companions. Exotics are a popular choice for people looking for a loving pet because, in contrast to some more independent breeds, they tend to form close bonds with their families.

Despite their bear-like appearance, exotic cats are lively and playful without being unduly demanding. They adapt easily to different environments and fit well in a range of homes, from busy families to more peaceful settings. The exotic cat offers the best of both worlds for people looking for a loving, low-maintenance companion.

History of Exotics

The 1960s saw the birth of the breed. Since the original intention of breeders was to improve the qualities of the American Shorthair by crossing with Persians, the unusual cats that have been produced are the result of chance breeding. Enhancing wool quality and obtaining a greater variety of colors was the primary objective. Nevertheless, the result of this mating gave rise to offspring that had an unusual appearance, including short necks and legs, dense builds, a distinctive muzzle, and snub noses. However, exotics did not develop long hair, even though they shared many characteristics with the Persian breed.

The majority of significant cat associations have the Exotic Shorthair officially registered. At first, it was suggested that the breed be called "sterling," or "silver." Nevertheless, this notion was dropped.

Description of Exotics

In addition to their adorable appearance, representatives also have a submissive personality. As a result, this breed is widely distributed across the globe.

Appearance

Persians and exotic shorthairs have a similar appearance. Cats are small animals, but what sets them apart is their stocky, dense build. One of the characteristics is a short neck; visually, the head appears to grow from the shoulder girdle despite mammals having an average number of vertebrae. Males can weigh up to 7-8 kg, while females typically weigh around 5 kg.

The primary distinguishing characteristic of the breed is its flattened muzzle; individuals of the breed also have large expressive eyes, prominent cheekbones, and a snub nose. Exotic shorthairs have a unique charm because of this structure.

There are no set rules regarding the coat’s color; it can be any color. The cats’ short hair, in contrast to Persians, makes them easier to care for, but they also have a cuddly appearance.

Exotic character

Having a submissive disposition sets exotic shorthairs apart. These creatures are amiable and enjoy spending time with their owners. A child will grow to love their exotic pet because cats are kind to kids. Aggression is not a trait exhibited by breed members.

Exotic shorthairs are more playful than Persians, even though they have a calm disposition; they enjoy engaging in active games. Cats do not tolerate being alone or being separated from their owners because they adore affection and attention. Members of the breed can avoid interacting with a new person for a considerable amount of time due to their intense loyalty to their owner.

Often referred to as the "Exotic," the Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat renowned for its cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance and serene, loving disposition. It looks like a Persian with its round face, flat nose, and expressive eyes, but because of its short coat, it requires far less maintenance. For those who adore the Persian appearance but are looking for a low-maintenance feline with a laid-back and affectionate disposition, this breed is an ideal companion.

Breed standards

Standard: a description of an animal’s outward characteristics that, when present, enable it to be classified as a particular breed and to compete in shows and championships. American criteria are applied to exotics:

• small body size, dense constitution, shape close to a rounded square;
• the length of the limbs is the same, the paws are large;
• the tail is small;
• the head is round, the ears are small, located closer to the plane of the muzzle;
• the muzzle is flattened;
• snub nose;
• large round eyes, located on the same line with the nose;
• pronounced cheeks, slightly lowered down;
• short but thick fur of any color.

Given that taking care of an exotic pet is typically not difficult, it is no coincidence that the exotic is referred to as a Persian cat for the lazy.

Nutrition

Feeding a pet does not require following rigid guidelines. However, owners must make sure they do not follow their pet’s lead and increase the recommended amount of food or frequency of meals because exotics have a higher appetite and a propensity to gain excess weight. Premature death is the result of obesity-related endocrine and cardiovascular disease development.

The unique shape of the bowls is another aspect of feeding exotic shorthairs. This is because cats’ muzzles are flattened. Because of the unique structure of the face portion of the skull, the fur gets dirty during feeding; therefore, it is advised to use bowls with curved inside edges.

Quantity and composition of food

Experts advise providing premium class food for exotic pets. These pre-made mixes have all the essential nutrients in them. For cats, dry food can be mixed with canned food.

You should seek advice from a veterinarian who will choose the best diet when selecting natural food. Beef, boiled chicken, stewed vegetables, and fermented milk products should all be a part of the diet.

Feeding pets food that is fried, smoked, or salted is prohibited. Experts advise against feeding milk to your pet fish as well.

How many times a day to feed your pet

An adult receives two meals. Six meals a day are advised until the child reaches six months of age, at which point the frequency of feedings should be lowered to four times per day. When they are nine months old, they start eating twice a day.

The role of a balanced diet in the health of a cat

Maintaining a cat’s health requires providing it with all the nutrients it needs through food. Protein deficiency causes the immune system to function worse, the number of muscle cells to decline, the vital organs to stop functioning, and the quality of wool and skin to deteriorate. The absence of carbohydrates causes the pet’s activity level to drop and their energy metabolism to become disrupted. Many diseases are the result of vitamin and microelement deficiencies.

Furthermore, the state of the digestive organs is significantly influenced by the quality of the food consumed. Inadequate nutrition can cause colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and other health problems.

Office care

Although there are some characteristics, exotic short hairs do not require complex care.

Combination and bathing

It is advised that exotes take a bath roughly every two to four months. Use specific shampoos, available at pet stores or veterinary pharmacies, to rinse a dog with a thick undercoat. Human-grade shampoos, soaps, and common household chemicals should not be used on animals as they may cause allergic reactions.

Experts recommend rubbing the hairline with a suede cloth to add shine to the coat. Pets with exotic short hair and a flattened muzzle frequently smear food stains on their chins during meals, so it’s important to wipe contaminated areas with a napkin on a regular basis. Animals should have a monthly brushing with a special brush.

Care for the eyes

Eyes are a vulnerable spot for exot. Constant hygiene is important because this breed of cats is prone to inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva and other pathologies. Make use of a specific product to cleanse the eyes. Following the process, pat the fur dry and use a cotton pad or stick to apply powder. An antibacterial ingredient in this product helps shield exotics from infectious eye diseases to which they are vulnerable.

Ear care

It is advised to perform hygiene procedures once a week to preserve ear health. Wipe the inside surface of the auricles with a cotton pad or piece of gauze soaked in a specific antiseptic. Use antibacterial powder once the manipulation is complete.

Claw trimming

About every two to three weeks, as the claws grow, the procedure is carried out. Regular scissors can damage the soft tissues in your fingers, so you should not use them. Specifically, you should buy claw cutters for manipulation.

Oral care

Maintaining the oral health of your pet is essential to preventing dental diseases. Using a specialized brush, teeth should be brushed at least once every seven to ten days. Make sure to get in touch with a veterinarian if plaque develops.

Necessary purchases

1. The tray should not be very large and without a grate so that the pet can dig the filler without experiencing obstacles.
2. Among the fillers, preference is given to compressed sawdust.
3. Since exotic shorthairs have a playful character even in adulthood, you should stock up on toys. When choosing, pay attention to the absence of sharp and small parts that the cat can swallow.
4. A scratching post is an important element that is necessary for the safety of furniture. To teach a kitten to sharpen its claws in one place, you can use special sprays.

Breed defects

Many diseases are more common in exotics. The diseases of the breed are similar because Persian cats are the source of the breed.

Diseases of exotics

Nasopharyngeal diseases are frequently caused by an upturned nose and flattened muzzle. The pathogenic microorganisms that cause the formation of an inflammatory reaction can grow and reproduce easily in the nasal passages due to their incorrect structure. Pathologies of the nasolacrimal canal and respiratory failure are also common.

Due to their strong eyeball protrusion from their eye sockets, exotic shorthairs are prone to conjunctivitis and other ophthalmological diseases. Disease risk is decreased by routine preventive actions to remove contamination in the orbital area.

Of all the diseases of the oral cavity, caries, inflammation of the pulp, and gum inflammation are the most commonly reported cases. Veterinarian dentists are required to treat these pathologies.

Usually, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a congenital condition. Due to the thickening of the heart chambers and the resulting disruption of hemodynamics and function, mortality can occur at a young age despite overall health.

All cat breeds are susceptible to genitourinary system diseases, but exotic cats are particularly vulnerable to polycystic kidney disease, which is typified by the development of multiple cysts.

A change in the lower jaw is frequently observed as a distortion in it. Because of this pathology, the cat may stop chewing and become averse to food. Furthermore, the chance of developing dental diseases is increased when the jaw is positioned incorrectly.

Appearance defects

There are some directional changes in the signs that prevent the pet from competing or showing in exhibitions. One example of such a defect is a variation in the number of phalanges on the paws; the front paws should have five, while the back paws should have four. Furthermore, a cat with kinks in its tail is ineligible to win the title. A deviation from the normal symmetry and proportions of the head and body, along with strabismus in cats, is regarded as an aesthetic defect.

Table: pros and cons of the breed

Pros	Cons
Good character, love affection and attention, treat small children well, playful and forgiving	Susceptible to a whole range of diseases
Have a cute appearance	Require regular hygiene of eyes and ears
Exots do not need complex grooming	The fur in the area of ​​the flattened muzzle often gets dirty
Do not show aggression	Kittens are expensive

Characteristic	Description
Origin	The Exotic cat breed was developed by crossbreeding American Shorthairs with Persians to achieve their unique look.
Appearance	Exotics have a round face, large eyes, and a short, plush coat that makes them resemble a teddy bear.
Personality	They are friendly, affectionate, and tend to be calm, making them great companions for families.
Care	Exotics require minimal grooming compared to long-haired cats but still benefit from regular brushing.
Lifespan	Exotic cats typically live between 12 to 15 years.

One breed that stands out for its distinct appearance and endearing nature is the exotic shorthair. They are enticing companions because of their round faces and plush coats, which frequently resemble teddy bears.

These cats are playful and love spending time with their human family despite their serene appearance. While they don’t need as much maintenance as breeds with longer hair, they still need routine care to stay in top condition.

The exotic shorthair cat may be the ideal option if you’re searching for a lovable, laid-back feline that is also playful. They are suitable for both individuals and families due to their gentle disposition.

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